Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
585. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the annual wage structure of an SNA; if any assessment of years of service, experience and qualifications is included in this reimbursement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9825/26]
View answerSpecial Needs Assistants are valued members of our school communities who carry out vital work in our schools, supporting students with diverse needs. The current salary scale and structure applicable to Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) is set out in the Department of Education and Youth Circular 0006/2026
Under the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 (PSA), which has been approved by Government and applies to all public servants, including SNAs, pay increases totalling 9.25% are provided for up to June 2026. These terms were collectively agreed with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. To date, SNAs have received pay increases amounting to 8.25%, with the remaining 1% scheduled for implementation on 1 June 2026. This Agreement also contains a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment. The PSA concludes on 30 June 2026.
As is standard practice, discussions with public service unions continue on all matters relating to pay agreements. Any review of terms and conditions including pay and pensions for SNAs will follow these established processes and be considered in detail by the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the relevant trade unions.
I note the Deputy has referred to experience in relation to wages and the criteria required to have incremental credit awarded to qualified Special Needs Assistants (SNA) is set out in Circular 0139/2006 and was agreed with the unions representing the Special Needs Assistants, School Management Representatives, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education.
To qualify for an award of incremental credit an SNA and their prior work experience being claimed must satisfy the eligibility criteria set out in the relevant circular. An award of incremental credit cannot be made where the eligibility criteria are not satisfied.
Finally, I note that the Deputy refers to SNA qualifications in his question. DEY Circular 51/2019 Recruitment and Appointment Procedures for Special Needs Assistants sets out the minimum educational requirement for SNAs which is a level 3 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications or three grade Ds in the Junior Certificate or equivalent. I acknowledge and applaud the many individuals who have completed appropriate courses, whether the Department funded SNA National training programme, which has been completed by 3,843 SNAs to date, or other Further Education courses, to enhance the knowledge, expertise, and skills they bring to these essential roles.
My department is currently working on the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan (the plan), which will introduce policy developments which will bring clarity and direction to the SNA service. Minimum qualifications and continuous professional development are two of the key areas considered in the work undertaken under Pillar 3 - Learning and Development in the plan.
I am pleased to say that work on the plan, which will include actions to deliver an enhanced SNA service to children and young people in our schools is now at an advanced stage.
